PLENARY MEETING OF THE VERKHOVNA RADA OF UKRAINE OF THE SIXTH CONVOCATION WAS HELD ON FRIDAY, 18 FEBRUARY
Volodymyr Lytvyn, Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, opened the morning plenary meeting. He reported on the results of work of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine at the plenary meetings on February 17, 2011.
V. Lytvyn announced that representatives of the Deputiy Factions suggested listening to the report of the Cabinet of Minister of Ukraine regarding the Russian-Ukrainian relations during the Government Question Hour.
The Speaker also announced that Mykola Azarov, Prime Minister of Ukraine, and other members of the Cabinet of Ministers were present in the session hall.
Kostiantyn Hryshchenko, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, answered the Deputies´ questions.
First questions concerned activity of the Ukrainian Literature Library in Moscow.
Kostiantyn Hryshchenko stated that the library was working in a normal mode, receiving visitors and holding different events according to the monthly schedule of the library.
K. Hryshchenko focused on the fact that this establishment is an organization of the Russian Federation, as it is under the municipal subordination and is funded at the expense of the Moscow government. Thus, there is no possibility to handle its financial support at the expense of the State Budget of Ukraine.
Other questions concerned situation with the unions of Ukrainians on the federal level in Russia.
The Minister informed on the decision to set up a coordination council to prepare for the foundation of a new Ukrainian organization with an all-Russian status. The community is convinced that such organization shall be focused on cultural-educational and information needs of the citizens.
The People´s Deputies inquired about economic cooperation with Russia and its leaders.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs informed that the Government did everything possible to prevent any restrictions or abuse of authorities in bilateral relations between Ukraine and Russia, although the Government highly evaluated the significance of inter-state economic relations.
K. Hryshchenko informed on the state of negotiations regarding participation of Ukraine in the Customs Union of Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan.
K. Hryshchenko also answered the questions regarding cross-border relations, and negotiations on the delimitation of Azov and Black Seas and Kerch Strait.
Mykola Azarov, Prime Minister of Ukraine and Serhii Tihipko, Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine, answered the questions of the People´s Deputies of Ukraine.
The People´s Deputies were interested in the increase of prices for gas and public utility services.
The questions to the Deputy Minister concerned the pension reform.
The Chairman read Deputies´ inquiries.
Several draft Resolutions on Human Resources were presented by Volodymyr Makeienko, Chairman of the Committee on Rules of Parliamentary Procedure, Ethics and Support to Work of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.
The People´s Deputies passed two Resolutions.
The bill on amendments to clauses 78 and 79 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (regarding free from punishment with probation) was presented by Volodymyr Moisyk, Chairman of the Sub-committee of the Committee on Legislative Support of Law Enforcement.
The Speaker announced that the subject parliamentary committee recommends adopting the bill as a basis.
The bill was forwarded for adjustment.
The bill on amendments to the clause 28 of the Law "On Compulsory State Retirement Insurance" (regarding minimal old age pension rate) was presented by Petro Tsybenko, People´s Deputy of Ukraine. The bill was rejected.
People´s Deputy Natalia Korolevska presented the bill on amendments to the Law "On Motor Transport" regarding regulation of inland transportation. The bill was rejected.
In the end of the morning plenary meeting, the People´s Deputies presented their announcements, motions and appeals.
The Chairman adjourned the plenary meeting. On February 21-25, the People´s Deputies work with the voters.
The next plenary meeting of the eighth session will be held on Tuesday, 1 March.